The answer is yes, all pool covers will deter ducks from swimming in your pool, but how effective they are depends largely on the type of pool cover you choose and how you install it. When pool owners ask if a pool cover will deter ducks from using their pool, very often this question comes from those who have already tried a wide variety of other possible solutions. These will include things like rubber snakes, paper eagles, inflatable crocodiles, etc. For the most part, these other solutions will only work as long as the ducks realize they are not a threat. After that time, most of those items are largely useless.
A pool cover, on the other hand, is not about scaring away ducks. It simply denies the ducks what they really want, which is access to water. Once they realize they can’t access the water, they move on as there are plenty of other pools to choose from without pool covers.
What type of pool cover is most effective at deterring ducks?
The “Leaf and Debris” or “Winter Cover” as they are sometimes known appears to be the most effective type of pool cover for this purpose. This is because they are fastened at regular intervals around the circumference of the pool so that the water cannot be entered. The leaf and debris cover is fabricated slightly larger than the pool surface area to create an overlap of the cover over the pool surrounds, further ensuring that water ingress from the pool is not possible. pool. It is these two attributes that give a leaf and debris cover an advantage over, say, a sun bubble type of cover when it comes to keeping ducks out. Solar bubble pool covers are placed over the water and also cover the entire pool. They are also considered useful for keeping ducks out, however if rainwater collects on this type of cover the ducks will see it as a place to swim.
A tip for installing a pool cover to keep ducks away
The only thing to do with a cover of leaves and debris is to put something inflatable under the cover to keep the center out of the water. The idea is to keep the center of the cover high and dry and away from the pool surface to prevent ducks from getting into the water. Place two or three beach balls, car inner tubes, inflatable pillows, etc. below the deck at regular intervals will keep the center of the deck elevated and in the process create a sloped roof effect that will achieve this.
There are other benefits that come with this type of pool cover as well.
Ducks can create a lot of mess both in and around your pool, which is unsightly and unhealthy. Leaf and debris covers were originally designed to keep leaves and debris out of swimming pools, so you really get a double benefit when they also deter ducks from taking up residence in your pool. The trick of placing some inflatable items under the cover will also keep any leaves and debris that fall on the cover dry and therefore much easier to remove. This can be done with a gas powered garden blower or with the action of the wind.
Therefore, ducks need not be the problem that many pool owners see in them, and harm is not necessary to persuade them to stay away from their pool.
Ducks have long been considered a pest when they decide to make their home in your pool. Many ideas have been tried to persuade ducks to find another place to stay, most without success. However, pool covers and particularly pool covers with leaves and debris can go a long way in convincing ducks to relocate. It does this by denying the ducks access to the water. Not only that, pool covers will also keep other debris out of your pool, saving cleaning time and helping make your pool a healthier place to swim.
